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When you put so much love and energy into your veggie garden , you desire to do everything possible to ensure that the plants thrive so you’re able to bask the tasty produce that sprouts up . Some annual bloom are known to avail vegetables flourish by enriching the ground , attracting pollinators like bees and butterfly stroke , or keeping away pests .
Much like enhancing a vegetable garden with a plannedgarden layoutand companion planting ( adding other plant to benefit the ones you are attempt to get ) these annual are some of the good peak for vegetable gardens .
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Borage (Borago officinalis)
begin with a plant that doubles as an edible . Borage is a lifelike - look plant that develop star - shaped pinkish or blue flowers that attract bee and other pollinators . The flowers and leaves are eatable , and the leaves have a fresh , cucumber - like look for consumption in salads and lemonade . The plant originate best in full to partial sun and grow in rich , moist , well - draining ground . Borage helpsrepel tomato hornworm , cabbage moth , and cabbage worm , so it is a greatcompanion industrial plant for tomatoes , squash , and dinero . ultimately , its blockheaded roots aid aerate the soil and add organic matter to the garden .
Best For : bungalow vegetable gardens that get full to fond sun and include tomatoes , squash , and cabbage . Our Recommendation : White / Blue Borage Seeds at Amazon for $ 5.99.Non - GMO borage seeds produce both downcast and white varieties of these edible blossom , which can be harvest after 50 to 60 Day .
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Resembling marigold and often pertain to as “ pot marigold , ” calendula plants are really herbs known for their antifungal and antimicrobial properties thatrepel insect pestslike edible asparagus beetles and tomato hornworms . Their redolent orange tree and chicken efflorescence alsoattract bees . They thrive in full sun and can develop up to 14 inch tall . It is helpful to plant calendula near almost any eccentric of veg in your garden .
Best For : Attracting bee in a vegetable garden that receives full Sunday . Our Recommendation : Gardeners bedrock , Calendula Seeds at Amazon for $ 4.85.These seeds include a commixture of calendula to grow yellowish , golden , and orange flush that attract pollinators and discourage some pests .
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigoldsare beloved for their cheerful clusters of shining white-livered , orange , or red blossom . They contain a natural louse repellent called pyrethrin that hold open all sort of dirt ball away , including mosquito , nematodes , aphid , thripid , squash microbe , tomato hornworms , whiteflies , Mexican bean beetles , and spider mites . Therefore , marigolds are great companion works for tomato plant , beans , cucumbers , squash , spud , and eggplant . marigold prefer full sun and well - draining soil .
Best For : lighten up up a garden while force back insects that harm tomato plant plants and other vegetables . Our Recommendation : The Old Farmer ’s Almanac Marigold Seeds at Amazon for $ 6.49.These non - GMO calendula seeds raise brilliant orange , yellow , and red prime bunch up that love Lord’s Day and heat and are drouth - tolerant .
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Derived from the common name that means “ olfactory organ - twister , ” nasturtiums are attractive tunnel - shaped blossom that come in red , orange , jaundiced , and cream colors . They are known to be an efficacious companion flora for radishes , Brussels burgeon forth , winter squash , cabbage , broccoli , and clams .
The efflorescence unfreeze an airborne chemical that many insects dislike the taste of , such as cabbage worms , aphids , squash bug , beetles , and whiteflies . However , you could enjoy the delectable eatable flowers and leave that have a peppery gustatory sensation and a boost of vitamin C. Nasturtiums also attract pollinators likebutterfliesandhummingbirds . Theseplants maturate wellin full sun to fond shade and slightly acidic , well - draining soil .
Best For : draw beneficial insect and pollinators , and repelling pest . Our Recommendation : Double gnome Jewel Mix Nasturtium Seeds at Burpee for $ 4.95.This seed pack moderate a mix of nasturtiums with 2- to 3 - column inch flower in shades of crimson , orange , and yellowed on plant that reach a height of 10 to 12 inches .
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Petunia (Petunia spp.)
With wide cornet - shaped blossoms in pink , royal , yellow , red , orange , green , and white hues , petuniasare an attractive and utilitarian flower in any veggie garden . Their sweetheart and sweet scent attractsbutterflies , bee , and hummingbirds . What ’s more , they beguile a mixed bag of insects like Nipponese beetles , Mexican bean beetles , aphids , Asparagus officinales beetles , squash bugs , and leafhoppers with their sticky hairs . These fast - growing annual opt full sun to partial shade and soil that drains well and is moist and acid . Plant them in gardens with bean , tomatoes , squash , potatoes , corn whisky , peas , Allium cepa , and/or asparagus .
well For : Attracting hummingbird and other pollinator , and deterring a variety of insects that attack garden vegetables . Our passport : Mixed Rainbow Color Petunia Seeds at Amazon for $ 9.99.This package contains a mixed bag of easy - to - grow seed that get assorted colors of fragrant petunias that are attractive to butterflies , bee , and various wench .
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowersare the quintessential cheerful blossom , given their bright orange - yellow flower petal that look like sunshine ray . Their height and large blossomshelp draw in pollinator , especially butterflies and bees , to your garden . Sunflowers flourish in full Lord’s Day and moist , well - draining soil . They can grow up to around 10 feet marvellous , so just be sure to plant them so they do n’t parry the sun from reaching vegetable plants . Sunflowers make excellentcompanion plantsfor cuke , radishes , onion , tomatoes , corn , and squash . at long last , they are effective in improving the soil since their etymon anatomical structure thin soil compression but helps hold the ground together . It can also remove heavy metal — like lead , arsenic , zinc , chromium , cadmium , copper , and manganese — from the territory .
well For : Attracting pollinators , brightening your yard , and enrich the soil . Our Recommendation : cum Needs 500 + Sunflower Seeds for Planting ‘ The Original Crazy Blend ’ at Amazon for $ 6.99.Crazy Sunflower Blend admit more than 15 variety in colors like orange , red , and scandalmongering , as well as some bicolors , that will be great for attract butterflies and other pollinators .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
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We ’ll aid you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few gage on your terrace , a raised bottom , or an in - primer plot out back — and select the right flora for your stain and neighborhood .
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